OMM Newsroom
An oil tanker caught fire after hitting naval mines east of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Navy said Tuesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
In a statement carried by Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the Navy said the tanker had switched off its tracking systems and was attempting to cross an area it described as “restricted and unsafe” when it struck the mines.
The vessel was damaged and caught fire, the statement said. The Navy did not identify the tanker or specify its flag, crew or whether there were casualties.
The Navy said the Strait of Hormuz remained “unsafe and closed” to vessels attempting to pass through without coordination. Ships seeking safe passage must coordinate with Iran’s armed forces, it added.
The incident comes amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict involving Iran and the US. Regional countries are seeking to facilitate negotiations and reduce tensions.
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran have also maintained diplomatic contacts on regional security, including discussions aimed at easing tensions and supporting efforts toward a lasting settlement.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June and began negotiations, which later collapsed over disagreements concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for energy supplies and goods.
